Georgia is just about right for one very popular ornamental tree. Leyland Cypress trees thrive in zones 6 to 8, although they are found in a much wider range. If you are going to the expense and trouble of planting a tree or a hedge in your yard, you should check this one out. This hybrid is easy to grow and care for and very, very beautiful.
This extremely popular variety of landscape tree is not native to anywhere. The first examples of this conifer (cone bearing evergreen) grew on a British estate as a hybrid between two cypress species. Some Monterey cypress were planted near some Nootka cypress and they cross-pollinated. The new trees were emerald green, well-shaped, and extremely fast growing. Other landowners had the same serendipity; there are over 40 types of the species today.
The Leylands are often marketed for hedges or windbreaks. They grow well in urban areas, being tolerant of air pollution, and also thrive along the coast, since they can withstand salt spray. They grow rapidly into effective windbreaks and are tolerant of drought. Their soft branches are easy to prune, a necessary practice to keep them from growing too tall. Usually you won't want a hedge to grow to extreme heights. The shallow-rooted Leyland can blow over in a stiff wind if allowed to get too tall.
In the right conditions, this variety is sturdy and disease-resistant. It is shallow-rooted, so very strong winds are a threat once it grows over twenty feet tall. Its soft branches make it easy to prune but also make it vulnerable to damage from heavy snowfall. Homeowners in hot, dry regions should provide a good soaking once a week.
They grow up to four feet a year, increasing in diameter, too. A mature Leyland can be over 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide. They don't like wet soils but otherwise are remarkably tolerant of soil types. Georgia's planting zones are perfect, since the tree prefers zones 6 to 8. However, you find Leylands all over from zone 5 to 10. Full sun is best for these fast-growing evergreens, but they can make do in light shade.
A single tree can make a magnificent specimen. It can grow to 130 feet, spread to 25 feet wide, and has a naturally pleasing shape if it is nursery-grown from cuttings. Seedling trees can be more straggly. The original hybrids are mostly still alive and well in Britain, so that makes them over 125 years old.
For a dense hedge, plant no less than five feet apart. Annual pruning to keep the trees from getting too tall will help keep them bushy all the way to the ground. If they are crowded together, the lower branches may die, ruining both the appearance of the hedge and its effectiveness. Crowded trees are also more vulnerable to disease.
The popularity of this tree is partly because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow. However, their beauty also makes them desirable. In Georgia, homeowners should check their planting zones, make sure that such a vigorous variety won't shade neighboring properties, and make sure the plants they choose are started from cuttings. If conditions are favorable, the Leyland cypress should be a joy for many years to come.
This extremely popular variety of landscape tree is not native to anywhere. The first examples of this conifer (cone bearing evergreen) grew on a British estate as a hybrid between two cypress species. Some Monterey cypress were planted near some Nootka cypress and they cross-pollinated. The new trees were emerald green, well-shaped, and extremely fast growing. Other landowners had the same serendipity; there are over 40 types of the species today.
The Leylands are often marketed for hedges or windbreaks. They grow well in urban areas, being tolerant of air pollution, and also thrive along the coast, since they can withstand salt spray. They grow rapidly into effective windbreaks and are tolerant of drought. Their soft branches are easy to prune, a necessary practice to keep them from growing too tall. Usually you won't want a hedge to grow to extreme heights. The shallow-rooted Leyland can blow over in a stiff wind if allowed to get too tall.
In the right conditions, this variety is sturdy and disease-resistant. It is shallow-rooted, so very strong winds are a threat once it grows over twenty feet tall. Its soft branches make it easy to prune but also make it vulnerable to damage from heavy snowfall. Homeowners in hot, dry regions should provide a good soaking once a week.
They grow up to four feet a year, increasing in diameter, too. A mature Leyland can be over 100 feet tall and 25 feet wide. They don't like wet soils but otherwise are remarkably tolerant of soil types. Georgia's planting zones are perfect, since the tree prefers zones 6 to 8. However, you find Leylands all over from zone 5 to 10. Full sun is best for these fast-growing evergreens, but they can make do in light shade.
A single tree can make a magnificent specimen. It can grow to 130 feet, spread to 25 feet wide, and has a naturally pleasing shape if it is nursery-grown from cuttings. Seedling trees can be more straggly. The original hybrids are mostly still alive and well in Britain, so that makes them over 125 years old.
For a dense hedge, plant no less than five feet apart. Annual pruning to keep the trees from getting too tall will help keep them bushy all the way to the ground. If they are crowded together, the lower branches may die, ruining both the appearance of the hedge and its effectiveness. Crowded trees are also more vulnerable to disease.
The popularity of this tree is partly because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to grow. However, their beauty also makes them desirable. In Georgia, homeowners should check their planting zones, make sure that such a vigorous variety won't shade neighboring properties, and make sure the plants they choose are started from cuttings. If conditions are favorable, the Leyland cypress should be a joy for many years to come.
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Find a summary of the reasons why you should plant Leyland Cypress trees and more info about a reputable tree nursery at http://thujagreengiantprivacytrees.com today.
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